Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum)

Native to eastern North America, Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum) is a magnificent, large, deciduous tree adorned with a straight trunk and a broadly conical crown. Narrow and erect when young, the tree develops an oblong to rounded crown at maturity. Aromatic when bruised, its foliage of star-shaped, 5-7 lobed, lustrous dark green leaves turns brilliant shades of orange, crimson and purple and persists late into fall. After dropping to the ground, the attractive branching pattern, furrowed bark and corky wings on twigs are revealed, providing winter interest. In mid-late spring, inconspicuous, yellow-green flowers borne in spherical clusters are on display. They are followed by clusters of hard, spherical, bristly gum balls, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), which usually remain on the tree through the winter. Good-looking all year, Liquidambar styraciflua makes a superb shade tree or specimen tree for a large landscape. Excellent plant for moist soil areas along streams and ponds.

• Grows up to 60-80 ft. tall (18-24 m) and 40-60 ft. wide (12-18 m)
• A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in deep, medium moisture, acidic, well-drained soils. Tolerant to a variety of soil conditions, including dry soils, wet or permanently moist soils, but dislikes alkaline soils.
• Perfect as a specimen plant. Fruit can cause litter problems that detract from using this tree as a street tree.
• Low maintenance, this beautiful tree is not subject to serious insect or disease issues. Deer and rabbit resistant.
• Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.
• Native to the eastern United States, Mexico.